Spending the holidays with Shayla Møller
Meet Shayla Møller, a South Africa-born creative and mother of three, now living in Southern California. Shayla embraces life with intentionality, creativity, and gratitude, balancing motherhood and personal fulfillment. Raising her children by the seaside, she treasures homeschooling, family adventures, and meaningful moments exploring the outdoors. Amid motherhood's demands, she nurtures her individuality through yoga, pilates, and creative pursuits in design and photography. Her minimal yet colorful home provides a calm space for her young, vibrant family. Grounded in gratitude, Shayla fully embraces life's fleeting seasons, celebrating both challenges and calm while pursuing her dreams.
Can you do an introduction about yourself, your background, your family, your kids and their age and what do you do?
Hi! I'm Shayla. I'm 33 years old and have been married to my husband, Nicolaus, for 13 years. We have a 9-year-old boy, Niels, a 6-year-old girl, Astrid, and a 4-year-old girl, Siggi. I was born in South Africa and my family immigrated to Utah when I was 2 years old. I lived in Utah until I was 26, then we moved our little family to southern California. I've worked both part-time and full-time jobs as a graphic designer, photographer, and creative director. Currently, I'll take on a few freelance jobs here and there, but most of my time and energy is devoted to being a full-time stay-at-home mom. We're in the middle of our first year of homeschooling, and so far we love it. It comes with its challenges, but the benefits certainly outweigh them, in my opinion. It has freed up so much time to spend out and about as a family. At the beach, skateparks, on sunny hikes, and exploring art museums. I absolutely love raising my babies by the seaside, and it's not lost on me how lucky I am to be able to do so :)
What inspired you to settle on the coastal side of Southern California?
My husband was born and raised in Ventura, and although we met and spent our early married days in Utah, the goal was always to end up in southern California. Because I come from generations of South Africans on both my mom's and dad's sides of the family, I always joked that I wasn't built for the cold weather or extreme seasons. it wasn't in my blood, and I desperately needed to settle down somewhere it was warm year-round.
What is a typical day for you?
Most mornings are spent picking up the house, feeding hungry kids, and getting everyone dressed and ready for the day. Then we'll do homeschool, crank up some music and have a dance party, then usually head out on some sort of outdoor adventure to get some fresh air and burn some of the endless energy my kids have. I try to keep my mental and physical health a priority, by sneaking in a hot yoga or reformers pilates class a couple times a week. Then lots of dinners with friends, or cozy family movie nights at home. My husband is an excellent cook, and he helps to keep us all fed and happy. I'm quite useless in the kitchen, so my job is typically on table setting and cleaning duties.
How do you balance raising three kids with pursuing your personal passions and interests?
I am still trying to figure it out — but in all honesty, some days I feel like I have it all figured out, and other days it's a complete dumpster fire and feels like I'm drowning and simply cannot do it all. I've learned that life just ebbs and flows in and out of peaceful and chaotic seasons. I'm constantly having to reassess priorities and figure out how to meet all the demands of motherhood while maintaining personal sanity and an identity outside of being a mom. On the hard days, I try to remember that I'm in such a fleeting season. And on the good days, I try to remember that I'm in a fleeting season. and to pause and appreciate the lessons, and cherish the good times before this season passes.
How would you describe your personal style?
I have a bit of an eclectic, ever-evolving style. On most days, I keep it pretty casual and androgynous. My typical uniform is a tank top, comfy denim, sneakers, and a hat or beanie. But I also looove getting dressed up and feeling girly or fancy. It's so fun to experiment with clothes and it’s such a simple, creative outlet that can turn an otherwise dull day into a sparkly, fun day. I love it when people have really unique styles and choose to express themselves through their fashion. I find it so inspiring. I could sit curb side all day in a city in cities like LA, New York, Paris, or Copenhagen and just people-watch and enjoy all the street style.
How do you think Southern California’s coastal vibe influences fashion compared to other areas in LA?
I'd say it's a bit more casual as you get nearer to the coast. I love living somewhere that you can walk into your local coffee shop in a bikini top and barefoot, and no one will bat an eye. And I love that in LA you can dress as quirky or out there as you want, and no one will bat an eye.
Your house is beautiful. Can you share with us the style of your house and what inspired you when you were building your home? Which is your favourite spot at home and why?
Thank you! We're actually currently in a 2 bed/1 bath rental, but we're about to move into a slightly bigger space as our family is starting to burst out of our current cozy, little home. Taking these family photos with Cambria Shelley was so special, as it was the last time we'd be spending Christmas here, and I'm so happy to have it documented. I'm really going to miss the beautiful, sprawling French windows at the front of this home. The way light pours through it in the afternoons is unmatched. But I can't wait to move into our new spot and start decorating. I'm very inspired by mid-century homes in the 1950/60s, and minimal modern homes in the 1980s/90s. I love a colourful and cozy space, but minimalism is a must for me. Especially in this season of raising young, wild children. Lots of open, uncluttered space is a must for me and my mental clarity. I'll easily feel overstimulated by clutter, so I like to keep things open and simple.
Could you share with us 5 of your favourite spots to visit and dine along the coast/area where you reside that you would recommend first-timers to visit?
01. Daydream Surf shop / my favourite matcha + the sweetest employees who make it feel very family friendly. And they have a well-curated shop full of my favorite local vendors. Be sure to check out @bodybag_collective @taylor.alvarez @elmoresurfboards and @zoediza handcrafted, high-quality goods!
02. Ahba / They have locations in Laguna and Costa Mesa, and I crave their burger and garlic fries at least once a week. Literally drooling just thinking about it.
03. Booth by Bryant / It's the cutest little $5 vintage photobooth. It's right next to the Ahba in Costa Mesa, and getting a cute photo strip is such a fun little endcap after a dinner date.
04. Semi-tropic / The coziest wine bar with the best vibes. They only serve the tastiest natural wines. So fun for an intimate date or girls' night or bday celebration. Plus they have jazz nights and different events that can make for magical, memorable nights of dancing and laughing with friends.
05. The ecology center / They have a farm stand and restaurant full of the yummiest and freshest locally sourced foods. They sell the most stunning flower arrangements. and have space for kids to roam and explore. As well as seasonal strawberry picking, and kid-friendly events. Plus they occasionally host beautifully curated outdoor markets. 06. Sugarfish / Had to include a bonus one! Because this is the spot to go if you like sushi.
Three words to describe you / or one fun fact about you that not many people know?
I'm playful, warm, and easygoing for the most part. But certain, usually silly, things will bring out a fiercely competitive side. Like board or card games or Nintendo 64.
A quote that you live by.
"The secret is not to chase butterflies, but to take care of the garden so they'll come to you."
What is one of the craziest things you have done in your life and did you regret it?
Probably got married a few months after turning 20, to a boy I had known for about 10 months. Then decided that I was ready to get pregnant and start a family at 23. I was raised in a culture where this sort of timeline was completely normalized, but in hindsight, it all feels very radical to make such life-altering decisions at incredibly young and tender ages. I have had to mourn the loss of the life never lived in my youth. An era where I could have lived a bit more selfishly and freely, with more self-exploration and time to settle into my identity. One where I could have set myself up to be more financially and mentally prepared for the work that goes into creating a happy and fulfilling marriage, growing babies, and raising children. That said, I have learned to live with the grief of a life unlived. And am overwhelmed with feelings of love and appreciation for the beautiful family I have. My husband is my biggest supporter and most trusted confidant. And my children are my greatest blessings and joys. I love them unconditionally and wholly, and am incredibly grateful for them. They give me so much life and purpose. So no, I do not regret making a couple of wild, life-altering decisions in my early 20s :)
What are some of your upcoming plans for the year or goals you hope to achieve in the near future?
Ooo I do have some exciting creative projects brewing, that I'm not quite ready to share publicly. But 2025 feels exciting and promising. It's the decade anniversary of me becoming a mother. As my children are becoming a bit older and more independent, the beautiful haze and brain fog that accompanies the early years of motherhood is starting to lift a little bit, it's been allowing me to see a clearer vision of my creative pursuits outside of motherhood. And of course, I have big plans of soaking in sun rays, perhaps learning how to bake, reading more books (actual, physical books - not just audiobooks), and making beautiful memories with my family and friends. I'm craving slowness and simplicity in the year ahead, and wish you the same. Happy New Year and cheers to all the goodness ahead!
Explore Shayla's & her family looks here. Part II will be launching on 10 Jan, 11am (GMT+8) & in stores on 11 Jan, Saturday